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Damselfish (Pomacentrus moluccensis) — Pomacentridae

Damselfish

Pomacentrus moluccensis
Family: Pomacentridae
LC · Least Concern

The Damselfish (Pomacentrus moluccensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Pomacentridae that grows up to 9 cm.

Length
9 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
1.0–60.0 m
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The lemon damsel is a small, bright-yellow damselfish of the family Pomacentridae from the western Pacific. The species grows to about 9 cm and has a uniform lemon-yellow body, sometimes with fine blue lines on the head. Adults inhabit clear lagoon and seaward reefs, often among branching coral into which they dive when threatened. As an omnivore it feeds on zooplankton, algae and small invertebrates in the water column. In spawning the male guards the eggs laid on the substrate. The species is popular in the marine aquarium and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Damselfish?

The Damselfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Damselfish live?

The Damselfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Damselfish get?

The Damselfish grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.

Is the Damselfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Damselfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Damselfish edible?

The Damselfish is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Citroen-rifjuffer sourced
English name
Damselfish verified
Scientific name
Pomacentrus moluccensis
Family
Pomacentridae
Other names
Lemon damsel verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
9.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
1.0 verified
Max depth (m)
60.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Pomacentrus

More from the family Pomacentridae

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